We take a look at balut and some other controversial food items to see if we should really be concerned.

What's behind the latest figures released by Statistics NZ that tell us the numbers of couples tying the knot is the lowest rate in 12 years?

You never know when you might want to impress someone with your grasp of the finer points of all-you-can-eat dining. Here are a few guidelines worth considering.

Is the tobacco plain packaging bill amendment worthwhile? Honestly, I'm on the fence, writes Lee Suckling.

The "Mommy Wars" is the Americanised term coined to describe lively arguments between mothers who have diametrically opposed views on "what is best for baby".

In NZ animals are afforded basic rights - including freedom and suffering. Except the 3 million made to take part in experiments, writes Sally Hibbard.

The food we put in our supermarket trolleys will ultimately decide the health of our families and ourselves. The problem is, the price of food and not the quality is the major dictator of what shoppers pull off the shelf.

In light of the tragic death of Peaches Geldof, and that of her mother 14 years earlier, relationship expert Jill Goldson takes a touching look at how to deal with the loss of a parent.

Despite its impracticalities and inelegance, the freshly-minted hyphenated surname continues to appeal, writes Shelley Bridgeman.

Have New Zealand health experts got our dietary advice all wrong? Or have we not put good advice to best use? Dave Shaw wonders.

Two of our sweet-toothed kids used to devour these in the 90s. They would pop them in the toaster and away they'd go.

In case you missed it, here's a roundup of the most popular stories on Life & Style over the last week, a royal recap and the blog that everyone's talking about.

Our disagreements about money invariably are linked with perceptions of control, security, self-esteem and love, writes Jill Goldson.

Small towns in New Zealand are perceived as low-hanging fruit. They’re ripe for picking on.

Domestic abuse charity Shine recognises sexual abuse against LGBT people as a silent problem, writes Lee Suckling.

"I've not encountered such widespread use of mobile devices in a primary school before, I felt the need to explore its implications."

Sadly, most of us will experience the loss of a pet at some stage. Animal behaviour expert Sally Hibbard shares strategies to cope.

The most important message was drowned in the noise of conflicting beliefs and the noise was amplified by Third Degree to boost ratings, writes Dave Shaw.

I don't drink coffee, I don't like coffee and I don't understand the fascination with this bitter concoction, writes Shelley Bridgeman.

While perfect for some, the gym environment can be an intimidating place for others, treated like a chore about as appealing as doing the washing.

Modern life blogger Lee Suckling looks at what it’s like to be on a different high amongst a party of 20-something crazy kids.

What is it about these little ankle biters that we love so much? I say 'we' as I have gone to the small side myself with two pomeranian X Japanese spitz balls of fluff.

It is with some reluctance I admit that the William, Kate and George royal road-show is making Australia look like a dream destination, writes Shelley Bridgeman.

But do calories matter? Well, yes. But should we be counting them? Well, no.

How important is sharing a bed with your partner? Relationship expert Jill Goldson explains.

Shelley Bridgeman is stressed out by all the travel admin that comes with taking a holiday.

It's time to celebrate all that marriage equality has given society, writes Lee Suckling. Importantly, it's also time to reflect on what it hasn't given us.

If you can answer yes to one of the following questions, you are perpetuating the type of cruelty that would result in a prosecution should we be discussing cats and dogs.

What's your view on children's birthday parties? Have they become just another pressure for parents?